Last Updated on March 11, 2026 9:42 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
Staff Reporter / New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched several development projects worth about 11 thousand crore rupees in Ernakulam, Keralam. Mr Modi laid the foundation stone for the Polypropylene Unit at the Kochi Refinery of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth around ₹11,000 crore in Kochi, aimed at strengthening infrastructure, boosting tourism and accelerating industrial growth in Kerala.
Addressing a public gathering in the Ernakulam district, the Prime Minister said the projects would enhance connectivity, promote clean energy and create employment opportunities while contributing to the vision of a developed state.
“Coming to Kochi is always a magnificent experience. I congratulate the people of Kerala for these projects that will accelerate the state’s development,” PM Modi said.
Focus on petroleum and manufacturing sector
A key highlight of the event was the foundation stone for a polypropylene unit at the Kochi Refinery, which is expected to produce about four lakh tonnes annually. The facility will support sectors such as packaging, textiles, automobiles and medical devices.
PM Modi said strengthening the petroleum sector is essential for advancing the government’s initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Push for renewable energy
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for a 50-megawatt floating solar power project at West Kallada, highlighting Kerala’s potential in solar energy due to its large number of water bodies.
He noted that as India expands in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors, the demand for clean and sustainable energy will continue to rise. “It is our endeavour that Kerala moves further ahead in solar power generation,” PM Modi said.
Rail and road connectivity projects
Several railway infrastructure upgrades were also announced under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, including the modernisation of Shoranur Junction railway station, Kuttippuram railway station, and Changanassery railway station.
The electrification of a major section of the Shoranur-Nilambur railway line was also completed. Additionally, a new Palakkad-Pollachi train service was launched to improve connectivity between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
On road infrastructure, the Prime Minister highlighted projects such as improved connectivity to Azhikkal Port and the six-lane Kozhikode Bypass, which are expected to reduce travel time and ease traffic congestion.
Infrastructure investment to create jobs
PM Modi said the global community is recognising India’s growing investment in modern infrastructure and noted that the latest Union Budget has allocated record funds for infrastructure development.
He added that Kerala is benefiting significantly from these investments, which are expected to support farmers, strengthen tourism and expand industrial activity.
“Every rupee invested in infrastructure generates employment and opportunities for youth,” the Prime Minister said, expressing confidence that the projects would contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and a “Viksit Kerala.”
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The Prime Minister flagged off five new train services, including two Amrit Bharat Express trains, two regular express trains, and one passenger train. He laid the foundation stone for Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited’s City Gas Distribution Network in The Nilgiris and Erode districts at an estimated investment of over 3,680 crore rupees. He also dedicated the Indian Oil Corporation Lube Blending Plant with a capacity of 672 Thousand Metric Tonnes Per Annum at Manali, Chennai with an investment of 1,490 crore rupees. Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Mr. Modi also inaugurated 89 rural roads totalling 370 km across Tamil Nadu. He also laid the foundation stone for a greenfield bypass near Gangaikonda Cholapuram on NH-81.
Speaking at the programme Mr. Modi said that the government is working day and night for the development of the state. Our goal is to create a developed Tamil Nadu there by a developed nation, he said. The piped natural gas connection project in Nilgiris and Erode districts of Tamil Nadu will give an eco friendly positive environment, which will be equal to planting 4 crore trees in 8 years, Mr Modi said.
Later Mr. Modi addressed a public rally organised by the NDA. He said that the people of Tamil Nadu wanted a change in the government at the state and put an end to the dynasty rule. He charged that the ruling DMK government in Tamil Nadu is corrupt and failed in every aspect. He said that the people of Tamil Nadu strongly believe that only the NDA government can give the best rule in the state.
In his address, the Prime Minister referred to the conflict in West Asia saying that it has affected the whole world’s energy supply chain and we believe in the ideology of India First. Mr Modi said that in any situation, the country has seen how the NDA government always puts the interests of Indian above everything. He emphasized that even in these times, the government’s approach will be the same. and there is no need to panic. The Prime Minister appealed to the people to only spread correct and verified information. He said, as a nation, India will navigate every situation successfully.